New ADM Adapter for Vixen Porta Mounts

FYI, ADM Accessories is now selling a dual Vixen/Losmandy adapter designed tobolt directly to the Porta Mount head without any modification to the mount. Youjust remove the existing Vixen saddle and use the two bolts furnished with theADM adapter to attach it to the mount head. I have one and it works great withmy scopes that have Vixen dovetail bars or Losmandy D-series dovetails. The ADMadapter holds the dovetails much more securely than the original Porta saddleand without marring the dovetail bar. The part is DVPA-Porta Mount and it's listedunder the DV Series Dovetail Adapters on ADM's website.

No difference Mike, at least with my scopes. You can also use the two top holes on the mount head, instead of the two bottom as I do. I positioned mine so that the alt slo-mo doesn't interfere with the focus knob but keeps the slo-mo on top where I like it.Mike

Sounds reasonable. I have one on the way so we'll see how it works with a 4" refractor. BTW I have the Porta Mount II with the Hal 130. I'll be putting either a 102mm F/11 or 102mm F/8.6 on it. It's mainly for a quick look at the sun or camping, I use my G-8 for lengthly observing sessions.

Installed the ADM saddle on my Porta II and I like it! My only beef is the knob is slippery compared to a Losmandy knurled knob. Doesn't feel like I get it tight enough, probably is, but it freaks me out imagining my TV 102 hitting the ground! I may put a safety stop on the dovetail like a Losmandy plate has.Mike

I think it was fairly recent that ADM changed the knob. The smoother (current) one replaced a much courser knurl. I like the new version and I think it is perhaps deceiving when you tighten it. They hold very well.

It is a very good idea to put safety stops on all dovetails and even on both ends. An ounce of prevention...

My question is, why is it so short? It looks to be shorter than the original saddle. Anyone notice any problem with that?

Hi Linda,The short length is not a problem. ADM simply used its dovetail plate adapters (in this case, the DV Series)for the Porta, instead of the longer and heavier saddles it sells, because the existing hole spacing on the adapter lined up with the spacing on the Vixen Porta. The hole sizing was the only thing that needed to be changed. The adapter used for the Porta is the same size that ADM uses for the Televue D Series dovetail adapter it sells. I've had one of those on my TV Gibraltar mount for 3 yrs. and my 4" refractor has never slipped in the adapter's jaws, despite the adapter's short length. Of course, it's always a good idea to have a safety stop bolt on your dovetail bar. Hope this info helps.Mike